As we watch, read and listen to the unfolding of this story, predicted by Arsène Wenger with his warnings about “financial doping”, the wrath of the footballing world has concentrated on Manchester City and their owners.But shouldn’t we be looking outside the box as well?The independent commission has found City guilty of serious financial rule breaches, although the club denies wrongdoing and has appealed the findings.Why has this enquiry taken so long?Firstly, this enquiry has taken years to complete and its decisions to be published.According to the Premier League, the independent commission also found that City had repeatedly failed to cooperate with the investigation.Surely the PL should have recognised this and acted accordingly?Secondly, given the financial irregularities identified, what information was shared with other authorities?HMRC reportedly began its own investigation back in 2018, but how much cooperation has there been between the relevant authorities, including the FA and UEFA?Thirdly, why has it taken so long for these decisions to become public knowledge, while City have been allowed to carry on as if nothing was wrong?Players have been bought, trophies won and the whole process has dragged on for years.The delays have also given City time to prepare their defence and appeal, while questions involving sponsors and even government figures have taken this affair to another level.(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)What happens if Manchester City’s appeal fails?Fourthly, is anyone aware of what the punishments will be if the appeal fails?Have the PL, FA and UEFA been proactive in this regard, or will we all have to wait yet again?It’s not beyond the realms of reality that we could see City win all three domestic trophies and the Champions League before everything is settled. What would be the outcome then?Of course, Manchester City are at the centre of these findings, but I believe the commission and the PL must also take responsibility for the length of time taken and the seemingly softly, softly approach.But it must also be said that the PL took on the might of a club backed by owners with enormous wealth.They did this knowing what trials and tribulations lay ahead, and I hope they are just as resolute when it comes to punishment, should the appeal fail.We’ve already discussed whether Arsenal might benefit from Manchester City’s troubles, but surely this is about something much bigger than one club?And what about Chelsea?Their admission of 74 FA regulation breaches resulted in a £10 million fine and a suspended two-window transfer ban.The cases involve different regulations, and Chelsea’s new owners reported the breaches themselves, but the contrast in how these matters are being resolved is still difficult to fathom, in my opinion.After all, whether we’re talking about 74 breaches or 114, these are enormous numbers in the scheme of things!!!Whatever the outcome of City’s appeal, I believe the football authorities themselves have some serious questions to answer.ken1945So, fellow Gooners, do you believe Manchester City alone should shoulder the blame, or have the football authorities also let English football down?Let’s hear your opinions in the comments._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsOpinion: Manchester City aren’t the only ones with questions to answer11 October 2026, 22:45Real Madrid eye surprise move for Arsenal midfielder11 October 2026, 20:45“Prove it”: Arteta sends clear message to Gyökeres ahead of Lille11 October 2026, 19:15The post Opinion: Manchester City aren’t the only ones with questions to answer appeared first on Just Arsenal News.